Euro Cup 2012: Iker Casillas and the Tournament's Top Five Goalkeepers

Throughout Euro 2012, just like any major international tournament, there will be plenty of jaw-dropping passes, insane goals, and stout defenses. 

However, one part of the game that can sometimes be overlooked and taken for granted is superb goalkeeping.

Goalies can make or break a team's chances of winning, as their composure can never slip and they always have to be on their toes.

With that being said, there are a few teams who are sitting pretty with ridiculous goalkeepers as their last lines of defense. 

Let's take a look at the Euro 2012's five best goalkeepers. 

5. Gianluigi Buffon, Italy

Regarded as one of the most well-respected goalkeepers in the world, Gianluigi Buffon and his aggressive approach in net has owned Italian soccer for almost a decade and will continue his success for the Azzurri.

Even though age may have caught up to him a bit in terms of mobility, the 34-year-old's experience is still top notch and will be a valuable asset to the Italian while captaining for his country. 

Also, Buffon possesses the demand necessary to command his defensemen in front of him and the wisdom to read crosses extremely well.

Despite the accolades he's already achieved, such as winning the 2006 World Cup, Buffon is still hungry to propel an underrated Azzurri squad to a Euro Cup title.  

4. Hugo Lloris, France

Considering he didn't even make the trip for Euro 2008, French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has quickly risen through the ranks and poses a major problem for opposing forwards.

Although he lacks international experience on the big stage, the 25-year-old commands his box well with solid decision-making and lightning fast reflexes.

Given his swift reaction ability, the Frenchman thrives in one-on-one situations and is capable of pulling off some acrobatic saves.

Lloris has proven this year for his French club Lyon that he is a formidable goalkeeper, as he made 99 saves and kept five clean sheets in 36 games.

Even though Lloris has a 6'2'' frame, he still has to work on imposing his physical presence.

Despite this concern, he should prove that he's ready for the big stage and make some huge saves for France.   

3. Petr Cech, Czech Republic

Nicknamed "Mr. Perfect" by the Czech Republic media, goalkeeper Petr Cech is one of the premier goalies in the world and will be looking to perform better in this European Championship than he did in his last attempt. 

The Chelsea shot-stopper, who has won 89 caps and competed in three major finals, made a huge mistake in 2008 against Turkey when he dropped a cross that allowed them to get back in the game, which they eventually won 3-2. 

As he's getting up in the years at 30 years old, Cech may not be at the same level as he was in his early days at Chelsea, but he still remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world. 

Cech, who compiled 84 saves over 34 games in Premier League action this past season, possesses great height and arm length that gives him the ability to make some pretty incredible saves.

Bottom line: if the Czech Republic want to overcome not qualifying for the 2010 World Cup and make a run in this summer's tournament, Petr Cech's play in net will prove vital. 

2. Manuel Neuer, Germany

After providing Bayern Munich with the best goalkeeper they've had in a while, shot-stopper Manuel Neuer proved crucial to the Bundesliga powerhouses' run to the Champions League final. 

Although Neuer and Bayern were defeated by Chelsea in a penalty shootout, the 26-year-old upstart goalkeeper gained valuable experience that he will certainly apply to Euro 2012.

Neuer not only has the physical ability and quick reaction time to make show-stopping saves, but the German also makes an impact on the offensive end, as his shifty distribution of the ball sets up the attack.

One of the more telling statistics for Neuer is the fact that he compiled 17 clean sheets in 33 games, showing his abilities to shut out technical and efficient offensive attacks in the Bundesliga.

If Neuer can continue his recent success and show the poise he did in the 2010 World Cup, he'll be a key asset to Germany's quest to the Euro title.  

1. Iker Casillas, Spain

Iker Casillas has forged a virtually untouchable career for the Spanish national team and will look to continue his legend in Euro 2012. 

Casillas has accomplished so much in his international career, as he is the most capped player in Spanish history, holds the most victories for a goalkeeper (95 wins in 130 international caps), and most shutouts for a shot-stopper (72).

As the last line of defense of a team who sometimes doesn't hold that aspect of the game in high regard, Casillas is always being tested and gets plenty of opportunities in goal to show off his ridiculous attributes. 

As a born leader with superb instincts, the 31-year-old Real Madrid keeper has an innate ability to pull of spectacular saves and will continue to do so in Euro 2012. 

With Spain already the favorites to raise the Euro 2012 trophy, Casillas will need to continue what he's been doing all year, not get too cocky, and be calm when rushing off his line. 

If he's able to do so, Casillas and Spain should be unstoppable in Euro 2012.